I refer to your coverage of an MLP statement following the comments by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority auditor on the local plans process.

The Rural Affairs and Environment Ministry reiterates what has been said publicly, that the government would consider a proposal by Mepa’s audit office to enact legal provisions to ensure consultation at all stages of the preparation or amendment of a local plan.

At the same time the ministry rebuts the auditor’s conclusions that Mepa’s approval of local plans lack transparency. The ministry has supplementary legal advice that the whole process was done in full observation of the law provisions.

With reference to the MLP spokesmen’s press release, the ministry points out that it was this government that introduced the concept of public consultation when the Planning Act was amended in 1992. Furthermore, it also introduced the auditor’s office to oversee Mepa procedures.

For the first time, the country is covered by an approved set of local plans and this is an important evolution in the planning process of this country. It is a far cry from the not so distant days of a Labour administration that had the whole planning process as the exclusive domain of the minister. It also contrasts significantly with Labour’s renewed desire to have more power to overturn Mepa’s planning decisions as illustrated in Labour’s vision for the environment.

Ray Bezzina

Communications Coordinator

Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry